The coop is ordered... and will be here by month's end! A skilled Amish family is constructing our new hen house. We have requested our colors, our design "musts", and even our flooring. The coop will be delivered and placed in the yard exactly where we would like it. Once here, Mike will construct the run so they may forage safely. We have many hawks circle the back lot and therefore, we need to keep our feathered friends safe!
The chicks are ordered and will be picked up on March 21st. We placed our order through a hatchery that is in driving distance. Fearful of a getting a rooster, we were certain to order through a hatchery with sexers on staff so that we will be certain we get our female flock. We will have quite the diversified backyard, since we are equal opportunity farmers. Uniformity is boring and bland - we opted of one of each breed that met our specifications. We steered clear of broody hens (ones that like to sit on their eggs, and will peck at those trying gather them each morning) and we opted for friendly, calm, docile breeds. Some are even known as "perfect pets." Time will tell as to whether this statement is true! LOL
Our next step is to locate the feed mill that we have been told about. It is there we will need to get our organic feeds, and our bedding materials. We have some time yet, as the hatchery will get us set up with our brooder equipment and supplies. The chicks will be on starter feed first, so we have a couple of weeks to continue to prepare, even after their arrival.
We have decided to go organic with our flock. After all - what we put into their bodies is nourishment we will then put into our bodies. The cost difference is not much, so we will provide the best we can for them, so that they provide the best they can for us!
We are placing our puzzle together, piece by piece.... and with anything new - there is anxiety, but the excitement is helping to keep the anxiety in check! Ella is even beginning to stray from our name list with a persistent request that one MUST be named "Sparkle Glitter!" When Ella sets her mind to an idea, odds are we will have to give in, for the good of the order. Besides, with a name like Sparkle Glitter - that hen will be destined for greatness!
It is the 1st of March and the endless possiblities of what Spring will bring are racing through our heads. We long for the snow to melt, and the greening of the grass to begin. We wish for winter coats and boots to be packed away while we welcome t-shirts and tennis shoes! Yes, this has been a long winter for our famiy of 5! Bike rides await, nature hikes are calling, and the garden is waiting to be cultivated! And to be honest, we long for the ability to say, "Go outside and play and stop instigating each other!"
We are making plans to begin our new adventure! Soon we will be Urban chicken farmers. The coop builder has been decided upon. The hatchery has been contacted and we have nearly completed narrowing down our choices of feathered friends! We have been reading volumes of chicken raising books from the library, following various blogs, and meeting and talking with those in the trenches already. It appears to be the path less traveled, but merely due to society norms! There is no reason we can't manage this in the surburban setting. We have reveiwed all codes and policies and have been granted the go ahead. The kids have created their name bank for our hens. Will we get dirty and messy along the path - absolutely! Will our children grow and learn without books in their hands and drilling of skills - more than can ever be measured! Will our bodies thank us for the organic food and our spirits brighten from the manual labor and responsibilities - of course!
So with this - let us forge ahead and see what awaits as spring ever so slowly arrives!
WISH US LUCK!
